The prostate gland lies below the bladder and around the urethra (tube carrying urine out of the body) and helps in making semen. Inflammation of the prostate gland is known as prostatitis. The enlarged prostate gland presses against the urethra, causing infection, pain and urinary problems. When symptoms last for a long time, the condition is called chronic prostatitis. Chronic prostatitis is a common condition that affects men between 30 to 50 years of age. It is of two main types:
The cause depends on the type of chronic prostatitis.
Common symptoms include pain and discomfort around the genitals, anus and/or lower back, pain while passing stool or urinating, and frequent urination or urinary urgency. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is associated with recurring urinary infections while chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is characterised by pain or discomfort at the base of the penis, and symptoms that last for more than three months. Sexual problems of CPPS may include difficulty achieving an erection, and pain during and after ejaculation.
The diagnosis of chronic prostatitis is made by your doctor with a thorough physical examination of your prostate gland by inserting a gloved finger into the anus. To rule out other causes of chronic prostatitis, your doctor may order tests that may include:
Most patients with chronic prostatitis are effectively treated with the following measures: